New research reveals that individuals who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using these medications should be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly starving," described one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
